Photographs preserve memories, but having picture albums that are the incorrect kind will destroy them. All pictures are precious, and even if your photos are not antique, they will be someday. Know what kind of albums are the kind that will preserve, and a few other tips to keep them safe, will let you have life long memories to share with friends and family.
All photos are susceptible to damage. Extreme heat or cold will turn your pictures in your picture albums to an unsightly yellow, and will rot them. Quality albums will cost more, but in the end it will be worth it. When you buy picture albums make sure that there is no adhesive in the book that will damage them. It makes it hard to remove the pictures, and the glue can discolor them too.
Your photos need to be stored in those with a plastic that has polypropylene. This type of plastic will not degrade your keepsakes, nor will it stick to the photos. The goal is to protect the pictures on the front and the back. Damage control in other words, is a two way street with picture albums. Take care of the outside by following the instructions given by the manufacturers. Usually, a soft cloth will wipe away dust particles.
Whenever writing in them don't ever use any type of writing utensil with harmful chemicals on the inside of the front cover, or on the cover itself. This applies too when marking your pictures. It's always best to use a hard lead pencil that won't smudge or run through in your picture albums. There are specialty markers that can be bought in framing or department stores for writing on pictures. Always check the chemicals that are in any marker you buy.
If you decide to place them out in the open make sure that they're not set in any source of direct light. Even though they're protected in a quality holder, direct sunlight can still damage your pictures through the cover. Don't forget that if your photos are set over heating and cooling vents damage can occur to the picture albums. It might be necessary to change the location of your furniture, so your picture albums won't be exposed to the air.
They are a fun way to discover the past. Taking care of them means that you have so much to enjoy today, and later can pass on to future generations. Not only can you enjoy them, but valuable information for genealogy research will help you understand your past. It would be tragic to lose picture albums of memories if you don't care for them, so make sure you do.
|
